Sustainable Transformation: A Case Study of an Engineering-to-Order Additive Manufacturing Firm
Source abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Addressing sustainability challenges in additive manufacturing (AM) is critical due to high energy consumption and waste. Optimising AM operations is vital for sustainability. However, the existing literature lacks practical examples for AM companies on how to enhance sustainability. To address this gap, a case study within an AM firm was conducted. Design approach: Using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs) were identified, aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives. Sustainable value stream mapping (Sus-VSM) analysed the production process for sustainability performance. A sustainability strategy map (SSM) was created based on the five perspectives of the 4th generation balanced scorecard (BSC) approach and the results from the case study. Findings: The research identified optimisation areas in the multi-jet-fusion (MJF) process, crafted tailored sustainability KPIs, and developed a SSM to seamlessly integrate sustainability initiatives into the company’s vision. Value: This contribution provides a structured methodology for selecting KPIs and offers a holistic approach to implementing Sus-VSM within the AM industry. The manuscript emphasises the need to incorporate a fifth perspective into the BSC and proposes a framework for developing a SSM. This study aims to guide AM companies toward a more environmentally responsible and socially conscious approach to manufacturing.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Sustainable Supply Chain Management · Sustainable Industrial Ecology · Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway
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